BUTLINS PWLLHELI 1963 and 64

My first season was in 1963 at Pwllheli, but before returning to Pwllheli in 1964 I did the Christmas break at Butlins Minehead. Pictured here with Josie and Bernie.

Part of our duties was organising the campers into teams, for the week’s games and sporting competitions. They would be split into “Houses.” The house you were in was governed by which of the dining rooms you were allocated to. The points each house scored in all the weekly activities, games, and competitions, were tallied up and the winning house was declared on the Friday.

THE WINDSORS Me behind the other four Redcoats assigned to Windsor House, who include Tommy Kilgallon and Johnny Whitehead

Before "Where's Wally?" there was "Where's Selly?"

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Sunday Morning 'Meet the Reds,' on the Sportsfield You won't  get me making any rude comments about women with balls. Pictured left, with hat, is Al Cosgrove. On the rostrum is Johnny Whitehead, and me at right.
	You've heard of a "Marching Band" well this was a "Walking Racket." Left - Rob Peddie (aka Peter Kane ); Right - Selwyn Bowen; Frankie Bull on trumpet (in stripes); Maeve Allen carrying the balls; Graham 'Johnny' Eagland on clarinet; Dave Moore on banjo.
Al Cosgrove getting warmed up ready to lead the Jazz Band Parade. Me on trumpet.

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GAIETY BALLROOM It was part of a Redcoat's duties to get the campers up to dance, even those of us who couldn't dance. Here's me proving to this lady that I have two left feet.

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Miss CheChe Competition, for ladies who were "Chubby, Charming, and Cheerful." They missed out "flippin' heavy."	I don't know if I'm proposing marriage, or begging for forgiveness.

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FATHER & SON Competition Spot the ringer. [Holding the 159 card is Fred Kilgallon.]

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Thought I'd help out the Bars Cashier and Security Guard, to look after the bar takings. Afterall, a lot of that was my money. RIGHT: With Johnny Knock. A lovely guy who went on to be promoted to Chief Redcoat for the 1965 and 1966 seasons.

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I look back some near-sixty years to two fabulous seasons with great teammates, and fun-loving campers. Being a Redcoat in those times had to be the best job in the world.